5 Hidden FOOD Gems in San Diego, California 🇺🇸

[@GarethLeonard]

Thank you all so much for watching (and commenting)! 🙏NEXT WEEK'S EPISODE: A Solo Trip to Yosemite, ⛰ THEN: Filipino Food Festival in San Diego 🇵🇭 AFTER: Exploring Mexico's Quintana Roo Region! 🇲🇽 p.s. New videos are now scheduled EVERY WEEK for the rest of the year, so please subscribe and hit that notifications bell for updates! 🔔❤

[@GarethLeonard]

@@rosaura3208 I can’t wait to share my adventures from Yosemite, it was so incredible!! 🙏🏔

[@playbonsai7218]

👌🏽

[@dozer11]

Was the Filipino Food Festival the one in the waterfront park in downtown where Apl from the Black Eyed Peas performed? That was fun until a lot of vendors ran out of food. Lol Hope you can make it to the night market off of Miramar Road called the SD Kollective San Diego Food Fest. It’s free and happens every last Saturday of the month I think?

[@rich8381]

@@GarethLeonard do you actually eat all of that food in 1 day, or just try a few bites of each?

[@brunoshampter324]

we live here thank you for the suggestions!

[@johnwhitehead1616]

I am the grandson of Mr Whitehead the original chicken pie shop owner your interview was spot on and brought up a lot of childhood memories thank you

[@hannahkoppers3596]

What I love about the Pie Shop besides the food is they employ mostly older folk who have worked there for EVER. It’s a real family over there

[@ebbycheri]

San Diego born and raised!! I smiled the whole time watching this. You hit some great spots!

[@malcorub]

I'm Mexican and people always rave about SD's Mexican food and that is all well and good...... BUT what I appreciate even more is SD's Asian cuisine, it is some of the best in the US apart from SF and LA.

[@neilthecellist]

Can confirm, am Chinese. the Chinese food is subpar in Portland OR and is a major reason why I moved back to San Diego. Don't even get me started on the Mexican food. Mexican friend just moved to Portland OR in January 2022 from Austin TX. He's already trying to move back to TX.

[@davidolmos6335]

Any good Asian restaurants you recommend in SD? I lived there for 2 years and Yelp and KZbin were not what they are now. Outside of Filipino cuisine, SD didn't seem to have good Asian food when compared to LA and Orange but that was from my point of view at the time.

[@iwatcher69]

I'm Asian and i absolutely love the Mexican food culture in SD. Sometimes i'll take a cruise down to TJ or even as far as Ensenada and just enjoy the culture and food.

[@pavelromanenko3718]

With reference to Mexican food in San Diego. I still go to Tijuana when I want Mexican food. I have not had really good Mexican food on this side of the border no matter what people tell me.

[@nedludd7622]

@@davidolmos6335 There are several good Korean restaurants around town. Some in suburbs like Mira Mesa. Another is in North Park

[@shelbymartin9424]

First of all, you are adorable! Secondly, I cant believe I watched you cruising around eating for 25 mins on this video. And finally, awesome recommendations! Supporting small businesses is SO important. Thanks for encouraging us to discover these little family labors of love. Good stuff!!

[@GarethLeonard]

First of all, thank you!! Secondly, I have so much fun eating but the best part about doing these videos is most definitely the stories I get to hear from the people who have made these great establishments! 🙏

[@garyleibitzke4166]

I lived in the San Diego area from 1975 until 2021. San Diego regularly got disrespected for it's food. The whole food scene in San Diego is a wonderful mix of just about any type of cuisine you can imagine.

[@concentratecorner1744]

ive never heard us get disrespected for our food lol

[@benvaughn2367]

I moved to SD in 2011, and holy hell has it evolved while still maintaining the vibe of SD. Great restaurants, the coolest bars, and great food to be had anywhere you go

[@jpmor7327]

​@@benvaughn2367it hasnt maintaned anything. Ive watched SD get fully yuppified since 2012. What they did to Imperial Beach is criminal

[@sumwonkool]

Next u gotta add The Wrangler Bbq Pit to the list! And of course some tacos at Tacos El Gordo!

[@leaheredia]

As a native San Diegan I am always so proud of our depth and diversity of amazing cuisine. You chose some iconic spots and some truly hidden gems that I might be a little upset that the secret is out on. 😆 They deserve to be shared though. Loved this!

[@ArmandGilbert]

DZ Akins and the CHICKEN PIE SHOP! Classics...

[@dw2064]

CHicken Pie Shop has been my favorite for man years. Yet they have gone down hill. It might be the prep cooks fault. Watch out for the bones in the shredded chicken. I found two called restaurant and they said its not unusual. Why because manager claims they do everything by hand and it's random. The pie only contains shredded chicken and gravy mixed together no veggies inside. I won't be going back real grossed out.

[@isone145]

DZ has the best Matza Ball soup in the universe. It's my cure every time I get cold.

[@kirkfleming1041]

Excellent food tour video! It's so refreshing to see a tour of unique family-owned restaurants instead of the same chain restaurants that are featured on so many other food tour videos. Thanks so much!

[@chriskelly9013]

Native San Diegan here. Showed my granddaughter the Japanese restaurant you found and now she wants to go. She was in Japan with her mom in 2017 and loves the food. Little Lion is also new to me. Thanks.

[@benvaughn2367]

I've lived in SD for 12 years, also worked for a Japanese restaurant group for ten years. Izakaya Masa is by far the favorite place for the OG Japanese sushi chefs.

[@annierossi6840]

What is the NAME of the japanese resturant? He doesn't say and only vaguely described it's location.

[@aileenbatac51]

LOVE LOVE LOVE how much you showcase our beautiful city and all its great gems! All the places you went to are amazing and surprised that most people haven’t been to them.

[@endermetal]

Great vid, but categorizing DZ Akins as a "hidden gem" is a bit of a stretch considering how insanely busy it is with their giant sign next to the 8 freeway lol 🙂. My vote for the best San Diego hidden gem is Awash Ethiopian restaurant; it's literally a hole in the wall in the back of a convenience store.

[@mrn13]

Injera!

[@UncannySelf]

Yees Awash is incredible! Glad there's someone here representing

[@hodl4life120]

Shhhhhh don’t tell my secrets

[@garrettlees7497]

Have you been to Dao Fu?

[@kaceeloo1602]

Okay, Gareth--Here's the deal. You have to keep doing these videos because they are awesome, in-your-face, spontaneous and upbeat; every one of your videos that I've seen so far. I just discovered your vids a few weeks ago but I'm catching up on all of them. I am a native SD since '73 and moved away in 2012. I soooo miss everything SD has to offer in the way of foodie joints and hidden gems! Even though I can't smell or taste your visits, I can still enjoy the places you visit! Some of the places you showcase its nice to take a trip down memory lane. Keep on doing these vids! And for all of the decadent foods you eat I'm sure you have a mean workout to match as you are looking fit and trim in San Diego! Thanks for the YT food shows!

[@elizabethherrera4847]

loved this episode, cant wait to try some of these joints, Im a San Diego native and learned about a few new spots!

[@Oksana-1024]

Thank you so much for letting us know about this unique and charming places. We're going to SD soon for a family vacation and I'm so happy I found this video. Special thanks for listing info about all the restaurants in the Description, so we don't have to pause the video and right everything down🙂

[@jpwoelfling]

I lived in the San Diego area from 1984 until 2004. First in the Navy and then working for several Doctors at Alvarado Hospital. I probably went to DZ Akins for lunch 3 times a week. Now that I live in Virginia, I really do miss that place.

[@10nicolem]

Love your channel. My husband and I are originally from northeast PA and just moved to San Diego. I TOTALLY know what you mean about that feeling after being out all day in the cold sledding. Nothing works up an appetite quite like it. I will defnitely add these places to my (long) list of things to try in the area. Thanks!

[@mortalsavage5213]

Thank you Gareth for sharing! I live in San Diego and will have to check these places out! 🤙👍🙏

[@GarethLeonard]

My pleasure, thanks for tuning in! 👊

[@colinchampollion4420]

​@@GarethLeonard ~ make videos shirtless ~Especially if your eating outdoors😈😋 you are a Handsome-sexy dude and shirtless will make you feel more naturally manly plus you have a nice tan 😈😋 ! ! !

[@lancelessard2491]

My grandma, her sister and her friend moved to San Diego in 1940 to find work. They used to go to the Chicken Pie shop and have the chicken pie dinner for 35 cents. It was good food at a low price, which they needed since they were house maids back in those days. It's still the same recipes as back then and still a great value, but the prices have gone up some.

[@maryannel89]

Izakaya Masa is truly a hidden gem in SD. Thank you for featuring my favorite restaurant in SD. 🙏👌

[@OceanSwimmer]

Gareth, My daughter discovered Farmers Bodega in downtown San Diego 2 weeks ago: We had dinner on a Wednesday, and EVERY SINGLE THING we ordered was terrific. We had to share bites because our dinners were quite different and we repeated the phrase, "Oh my God! Try this!" Their wine list is great, and the service impeccable. I give them a 15 out of 10. Yes, they are that good. The ambience is nice and quiet. Check it out!

[@wendyedmond1425]

I found this video a couple of months ago while planning our trip to San Diego. Today, ( our first stop) we ate at the Chicken Pie Shop! Wow! I ordered the Neighborhood Grind with Country Gravy and my husband ordered their fried chicken (cooked to order). Both were amazing. We left with their to go giant Cinnamon Roll. Everything was so delicious! Can’t wait to try some of your other choices❣️❣️

[@arielruting2398]

KZbin algorithm did me good tonight! Love the content!

[@jhdct94]

This is probably one of my favorite videos of yours! I teared up when you went into San Diego Chicken Pie Shop. I used to go there with my grandma before she passed. They have great food. So excited to try D.Z Akin’s. Never knew they had so much to offer. I will definitely have to try An’s Dry Cleaning too for that goat cheese, fig and balsamic vinegar flavor. Keep videos like this SD specific one coming. ❤️ 🌎

[@robertpellegrino7963]

Me Too! My dad's favorite place you would go a lot I miss him so much

[@ejude83]

As an east coast transplant, too, I LOVE DZ Akins! The Rubens are my favorite, but no one can even get near explaining how delicious DZ Akins’ matzo ball soup is - literally indescribable! Crystal clear broth and, of course, the matzo balls are delicious, but the flavor of the carrots…! How do they even make a carrot taste that good? Ya gotta do DZ Akins if you’re ever in San Diego.

[@yannickgoburdhun9084]

WOW - All these places looks very exciting with loads of great dishes to be tasted soon !!!

[@aroundtheworldinaprildays]

Everyone's so nice in all the places you've been to! No wonder their food is great.

[@01melg]

Thanks for sharing these hidden gems. Born and raised SD and I’ve only heard of 1/5. Looking forward to trying them all. Question is: how the heck do you put all this food down in one day?

[@justagirlsd3000]

😂

[@ginabowers6271]

Lol

[@telmagazio]

Really wanna try all of them. Living in San Diego for almost 4 years now and just got excited about these real gems you show to us. Thank you so much.

[@GarethLeonard]

I love to hear that Telma, send me a message after you try them all! 😅

[@ButtSauce666]

Really reccomend the pumkin cream cheese gelato at Ans dry cleaning It was amazing tonight

[@dozer11]

I’m a San Diego native and love your choices here! Also, not food related, but I’m happy that your audio is better than the vast majority of foodie content creators. So frustrating to hear bad audio these days when there are so many tools and options that don’t break the bank.

[@MonsterPig007]

Gareth, Mouth watering from beginning to end. Great call on DZ Akins, been going there for years. All time best deli anywhere. Cheers.

[@jodischnoebelen7993]

I love that you do the happy mouth dance when you try things.

[@HOMEPLATEWITHPRISCILLA]

San Diego native here, thank you for sharing these true local hidden gems. 🤍

[@Babypapayaproductions]

They all look great and I love that you take big bites and are honest. I’d say either the Japanese or the Chicken Pie place

[@brandonmoore2237]

Epic food tour, man! Those breakfast dishes, man...my mouth definitely watered watching you try them! Love the diversity in San Diego's food scene. Definitely have to make it out there someday.

[@jenniferalvarado1745]

Gotta love SD. We are very proud of our VERY diverse food culture! You can find everything here. Thumbs up on all these selections.

[@vivianamartinez386]

Love this. Will definitely go to all of these places next time I'm in SD. The love and dedication that everyone in this video (including you) puts into what they are doing is fantastic.

[@andisupergan5226]

love your videos! I am born and raised in San Diego but it's such a big city I'm glad you are finding smaller restaurants to help support. have you tried piazza 1909? It's in La Jolla, I highly recommend the bruschetta and the Margherita pizza. Brent is the owner and such an awesome person!

[@CarloS-ii6hr]

Great video again Gareth. Keep up the great content! Cheers from LA

[@jjbchem]

DZ Akins is a restaurant I’ve been going to since I was born and I still love it

[@mario714619]

Hey man you need to check out antonellis deli in el cajon,tacos el panson in city heights on el cajon blvd,bongiovannis italian restaurant has good pizza too in el cajon highway 80

[@Tacofiesta619]

Antonellis is a staple... Overrated but a staple none the less. Go for the weird Disney art interiors stay for a sando but as soon as they call your number gtfo

[@jakehammer1107]

I’ll be checking this list out soon…

[@christopherpalacios8651]

My boyfriend and I went to San Diego for new year and Izakaya Masa was definetly one of our favorites, specially the desserts, great place, great vibe and great food, If you also love chinese drypot, Sizzling Pot King is a MUST.

[@joewarrior619]

I never knew an’s dry cleaning was an actual ice cream shop lol and that Japanese restaurant in mission hills is a real hidden gem. I went there once and I loved the atmosphere of it and their ramen is good too.

[@GarethLeonard]

Time to go get your dry cleaning, Joe! 😂

[@ButtSauce666]

I just went there tonight and had the Pumpkin and cream cheese

[@denniskline5759]

A little late to the game 8 months later but 6 years ago it was an actual dry cleaners I used to get my shirts pressed there lol

[@monicameza8944]

I am happy watching this man eat, the way he enjoys everything , that's awesome . What life is all about . The places look amazing . Everything looked scrumptious . Yummy . That Ding Dong moment took me to grade school .

[@billyd647]

Wow what an amazing list of places! You looked like you totally enjoyed yourself!!!! Thanks for the video.

[@D_really_T]

First video I’ve seen of yours, I’m new to San Diego and I’m putting all these places as a must try

[@amandabard6434]

Ummmm, Pipes Cafe in Solana Beach is a hidden gem! Big bang for your buck with your food. Also, Iron Pan Thai Kitchen in Poway is so good!

[@marybunker8635]

The Little Lion looks amazing! 🦁

[@selap8682]

That ice cream place looks amazing.

[@lesleyewen-foster3629]

I'm 78 years old and my grandma used to take me to the Chicken Pie Shop. I LOVE it!!!! And great memories!

[@brettweise1618]

I've lived in San Diego my entire life. Really bummed you included Little Lion and Izakaya Masa on this list, because you were spot on. These are hidden gems, and now it'll be even tougher to find a table.

[@garrettlees7497]

Hey bro, have you been to Hawaiian Fresh Seafood yet? I can't believe I didn't know about it until only a month ago. I go there every time I find myself even close to Mira Mesa.

[@ginabowers6271]

Well I have to go now,have to do it I've been missing out!

[@matthewlinkous4779]

Yayay Making Our Visit More Exciting🎉🎉🎉ThanksGReallyAppreciateTheSuggwstions&Options👍👍👍

[@NeedleInTheHay1990]

If you want a hidden sandwich spot gem, visit Antonelli's Deli in El Cajon. Sure it's a little further out to east county but their delicious medium-sized sandwiches could last you at least two days.

[@artsy_nemo7443]

Thanks so much Gareth!! I’m so exited to go to all these places. I just moved here from Puerto Rico and definitely wanted to find some gems. Amazing!

[@VannieEats]

San diego has great food!😋

[@GarethLeonard]

I completely agree 😁

[@redlionplumbing]

Like actually hidden? Try El Tigre Churros Y Platanos only open Friday - Sunday evenings as food carts on the sidewalk at 3585 University Avenue. El Tigre makes great TJ style hot dogs and churros & last weekend they had carne asada or cabeza TJ tacos. The hot champurrado is great this time of the year. Across the street & down a little bit is the tiny but mighty Canada Steak Burger. Order a burger or gyro ahead for pick up. The fries are amazing. There's also a great tamale cart a little further east next to Families Market that stops traffic (jk no one stops at the intersection stop signs anyway). They have great champurrado as well plus arroz con leche like grandma used to make and elote. Decent list though, tourist.

[@naterplater]

Appreciate this list, you highlighted some of my favorite places and I learned about the little lion and the japanese restaurant. Great stuff!

[@gergc4871]

The Cheese Shop, Mission Cafe, Tacos El Gordo, Leftys Pizza, Perry's Cafe.... These are the spots.

[@gergc4871]

Forgot about Hash House a Go Go. Go early here, and bring a VERY empty belly.

[@vanessaphanouvong5870]

I don't eat as good as you do everyday and I just realized I'm missing out on life. If you haven't tried Garden Kitchen then I highly recommend this gem, it's a cute intimate small-chef owned outdoor dining experience, at the moment they only do tasting menus though

[@sdericmonty]

You can tell you’re not a local if you call DZ Akins and chicken pie shop “hidden” haha

[@ecawesomexp]

lmao right i can't forget those damn commercials if I wanted to

[@AlbinoAxolotl]

No kidding!

[@mikey05]

Omg, that DZ Akins commercial!! Hhaha

[@raramcgee4982]

Seriously 😳🤣

[@sdericmonty]

@@mikey05 “SCORE!” Haha

[@jcdizon612]

Love this video Gareth! Can’t wait to go back to SD and try all these places with my fam!

[@Freespirit512]

Hi Gareth, The chicken pie shop is within distance from me and I have been living in the area for 15 years and haven't been there. I'll check out the coconut cream pie. Also, Masa is my favorite Japanese restaurant, it's so authentic. An's Dry cleaning is a walk away from my home. Enjoying your eating vlogs in San Diego. I hope you get to visit my country soon, the Philippines. Also, Little Lion in OB I will check out. Thank you!

[@sis.dlightfull8040]

I'm a native, and most of the spots highlighted are staples. The San Diego food scene can rival the best of any other large metro city. We have it all here!

[@ileanacastro9676]

Add so much more of your adventure it's so awesome

[@laurenstrasser]

Tried DZ Akins last week after watching your video. OMG YUM! Thanks for the rec!

[@jmichel70]

Keep them coming. Great stuff

[@maritesmacasadia118]

Thank you for this Gareth !! Can’t wait to check these places out . Yum 😋

[@amandatempleman1160]

Dude, I love San Diego. I live in Palm Desert and pop over there all the time, thanks for the video, i'm definitely gonna try these out!

[@justlookin00]

BEST. VIDEO. OF. SAN DIEGO. EVER!!!!!!!! Going back in a couple weeks, and you KNOW I'm hitting up a few of these... Thanks dude!👍

[@maudievillareal3630]

Thank you for sharing. I would surely visit these hidden gems.

[@heka6564]

Born and raised here and literally such a hub for food It doesn’t matter what culture you want so much food in north park and gaslamp and north county and literally everywhere For ramen you gotta go to underbelly or harrumama

[@Kiwislinger]

love my city!!! great vid like always!

[@HeatherDGAF912]

Thank you so much for this hidden gem. We must try all of these.

[@gram1903]

I am so glad I follow you! I just randomly ended up in San Diego (long story) and needed recommendations. THANK YOU SIR!!!

[@shriekeefx]

DZ Akin's and the Chicken Pie Shop are two of our favorite places to eat. Seriously worth a visit.

[@fearsomebeard4290]

DZ Akin’s Ding Dongs are amazing. They sell out fast but when you can get them, get them.

[@tylertremelling8960]

Definitely have to get try the Seafood Salad at Little Lion it's amazing!!

[@MarieDaniels]

Gareth, I love that your favorite is the coconut cream pie! Nobody in my family likes it so I never get one. Might have to go in for a slice on my own. Cheers! If you haven’t checked it out yet, put El Barbecue on your hidden gems list. Sunday is red pozole day with all the pork bits from the brisket. It will blow your mind.

[@alexiabuenrostro5092]

Love this SD videos❤️👌

[@mansivaborvorn4436]

Helloooooo Gareth - Welcome Back to San Diego!!! Love all your 5 Hidden Gems!!! Sorry, but my wife couldn't watch after your ate the enormous Ding Dong - might be because that's her favorite childhood treat and we were watching you video at 10:30pm, so it made her really really hungry!!! Definitely, going to DZ Akin's and the Chicken Pie Shop, probably won't be able to go to both in 1 day like you, HAHA!!!

[@bonitachristina]

Im going try out chicken pot pie, I’ve heard about that place before and completely forgot about it

[@samtd5]

Proud native San Diegan here, I love your SD & TJ videos! You have to try Cesarina in Point Loma. Hands down the best Tiramisu.

[@garrettlees7497]

Hands down best eggplant parm

[@sraza6072]

I like it that they fix the tiramisu right in front of you. Yum

[@dizzle639]

Favorite episode by far!!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@VanGoWanderlust]

Visiting for Thanksgiving, I’m going to recreate this tour over the entire visit though, LOL!

[@serenagillis]

Fun video, glad to find this channel. 🤗

[@steveavery167]

Great video. Keep these coming. I’m new to the area and dying to find the local favorites!

[@cadenjester893]

RIGHT NEXT TO ANN'S DRY CLEANING is the best ramen I've ever had, Tajima. I wouldn't really consider it a "hidden gem" so I get why you didn't include it but to anyone looking for good ramen definitely check out that spot

[@cecillemarie8188]

With all the food you eat for your videos, it’s amazing you’re still nice and slender. 🥰

[@andrew-ir7fy]

Great video. All 5 of these places all the food look so good!

[@oughkaye]

It’s been years since I’ve been to the The Chicken Pie Shop! Great overall picks. Thanks for sharing. I look forward to trying the The Little Lion!

[@virgilsantaclara]

Thank you for the awesome vid , miss my taxi days in OB and the cafe in Balboa , keep up the great werk agape

[@elainelomibao3222]

As always great content! shout out from a local San Diegan!!

[@mayagerassi1848]

If you are really looking for hidden gems go to Pita 22. The best most authentic Israeli (Mediterranean) food in San Diego.

[@berityoung9307]

Literally drooling over the food at DZ Akins!

[@joymarneri7391]

Thank for all the info in your video , my wife and I will surely go these places

[@migzakamiggy]

I just love him! I enjoy your videos more than you enjoy the food! You are such a beautiful spirit!

[@elladee2311]

Yum! Eggs Benedict my favorite breakfast dish ever (hollandaise sauce is made of magic). Enjoyed this video, thanks for sharing!